In what comes as the latest development in the Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat storyline, the Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly “unmotivated” to get their deal done with the franchise.
According to Miami reporter Barry Jackson, the Blazers are hoping that Lillard will start his season with the team. Taking to Twitter, he wrote:
“As of midweek, Portland had been unmotivated to engage with Heat or try to get this done. Maybe they hope this plays out like Durant last summer & they cajole him to start the season with the team. If so, then it’s in Dame’s hands, whether he reports to camp, makes public comments, etc”
As of midweek, Portland had been unmotivated to engage with Heat or try to get this done. Maybe they hope this plays out like Durant last summer & they cajole him to start season with team. If so, then it's in Dame's hands, whether he reports to camp,makes public comment etc https://t.co/CCZOZBYRuV
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 14, 2023
A similar thought was echoed by NBA insider Ramona Shelburne who likened the situation to the Ben Simmons saga.
“I just talked to two GMs this morning who said we might be looking at another Ben Simmons situation here. This guy has four years left on his deal. POR can take their time. Let’s see if he shows up for training camp. If they wanna wait till Feb. to trade him they can.”
Earlier, it was reported that Lillard would not play anywhere else apart from the Heat, and by the looks of the latest scoop, this might be the most possible outcome.
What The Miami Heat Are Ready To Offer The Portland Trail Blazers For Damian Lillard
Recently, one NBA Insider from the Oregonian wrote that Miami is, so far, only willing to part with three picks and Tyler Herro in the deal.
“If Portland can come out of this with four firsts, at least one if not two young talents and salary filler, that should get it done. I’m told that right now, Heat has three firsts, Herro, a filler, and maybe a young player already—like willing to go w/ that…I’m told it’s pretty close.”
And the Blazers aren’t too keen on the package that’s on the table. This was confirmed when GM Joe Cronin stressed that the side would look for a better deal even if it does take months.
While the general consensus now is that Lillard will end up with the Heat at some point, the train to the journey is rather at a crawl.
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